4 Things Every Homeowner Should Know Before Upgrading a Thermostat

By Nolan Sandome -

When air conditioners were new, and not every household had one, many properties were heated by an electric heater or a single furnace, regulated by a mechanical thermostat that was mounted on the wall. These devices are still selling well and serve their function; however, modern, computerized ones have rendered these older units obsolete. Here is what you need to know before upgrading such a thermostat.

#1. Two Wires May Not Be Enough

A 24-volt mechanical thermostat usually needs just two wires. The first one is the input hot wire from the transformer, and the second one is an outbound load wire. Many smart and programmable thermostats need a third wire. It’s called a common, or C wire. It’s used to supply power for their various functions. If you don’t have a third wire coming from the wall when you remove the old device, you need to purchase and install a battery-powered thermostat.

#2. Moving the Thermostat

The thermostat itself is not the issue; however, its position may be. Possibly it was installed in your kitchen for convenience purposes. If so, the thermostat can turn down the heat, leaving the rest of the house uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if the device is located near a drafty window or entrance, increasing the temperature in the entire home can be annoying. Moving it to a hallway or a living room requires running new wiring, which can be handled by a professional HVAC technician.

#3. Choosing the Temperature Day

When TVs were new and not every household had one, many properties were heated by an electric heater or a single furnace, regulated by a mechanical thermostat that was mounted on the wall. These devices are still selling well and serve their function; however, modern, computerized ones have rendered these older units obsolete. Here is what you need to know before upgrading such a thermostat. #1. 2 Wires May Not Be Enough A 24-volt mechanical thermostat usually needs just two wires. The first one is the input hot wire from the transformer and the second one is an outbound load wire. Many smart and programmable thermostats need a third wire. It’s called a common, or C wire. It’s used to supply power for their various functions. If you don’t have a third wire coming from the wall when you remove the old device, you need to purchase and install a battery-powered thermostat. #2. Moving the Thermostat The thermostat itself is not the issue; however, its position may be. Possibly it was installed in your kitchen for convenience purposes. If so, the thermostat can turn down the heat, leaving the rest of the house uncomfortably cold. On the other hand, if the device is located near a drafty window or entrance, increasing the temperature in the entire home can be annoying. Moving it to a hallway or a living room needs running new wiring, which can be handled by a professional HVAC technician. #3. Choosing the Temperature Day Anything that can go wrong will go wrong at the most inappropriate time, according to Murphy’s Law. When the temperature outside is way too high or low, you don’t want something like this to happen. You can lessen the impact of unfortunate events by swapping during the milder months. This is the time when the temporary malfunction of the HVAC system will not affect the level of comfort that is needed. #4. DIY the New One Before adjusting the thermostat, the power supply to the HVAC unit must be turned off. If the device is made for a low-voltage central air system, you will not get an electrical shock even if you fail to turn it off. The thermostat’s wiring is easy to understand and color-coded, which is a job that may be done by a DIY enthusiast. Although line-voltage thermostat work at a higher voltage and are capable of shocking people, you won’t get an electrical shock as long as you follow the standard safety procedures for any home electrical wiring. For instance, you shouldn’t touch the wires until you have checked their voltage with a voltage tester first.

Anything that can go wrong will go wrong at the most inappropriate time, according to Murphy’s Law. When the temperature outside is way too high or low, you don’t want something like this to happen. You can lessen the impact of unfortunate events by swapping during the milder months. This is the time when the temporary malfunction of the HVAC system will not affect the level of comfort that is needed.

#4. DIY the New One

Before adjusting the thermostat, the power supply to the HVAC unit must be turned off. If the device is made for a low-voltage central air system, you will not get an electrical shock even if you fail to turn it off. The thermostat’s wiring is easy to understand and color-coded, which is a job that may be done by a DIY enthusiast. Although line-voltage thermostat work at a higher voltage and are capable of shocking people, you won’t get an electrical shock as long as you follow the standard safety procedures for any home electrical wiring. For instance, you shouldn’t touch the wires until you have checked their voltage with a voltage tester first.

5 Types of Home Gym Equipment Suitable for Small Spaces

By Doug Barnett –

5 Types of Home Gym Equipment Suitable for Small Spaces

Spending ungodly amounts of money on gym memberships isn’t the only way to stay in shape. If you have a little spare room in your home and have long wanted to make a fitness corner at your place, you’re in luck. There is a range of different gadgets and equipment that can offer the versatility of a weight room within a confined space. Here are some of the most suitable types of equipment for small spaces.

1. TRX Home2 System — A Small Home Gym Staple

Curiously enough, the TRX system was invented by Navy SEALs with the idea that you should be able to work out anywhere you are, without any weights, and still build up your strength and muscle. The Home2 suspension system comes with strength bands and door anchors, which you can use in a range of combinations to let you press, squat, and pull with dynamic resistance.

2. Tonal — A Minimalist Workout System

If you’re willing to pay the slightly higher price ($3,495, plus $495 for smart accessories), Tonal will definitely become your all-in-one, favorite gym equipment. With its unique and sleek design, Tonal is a minimalist workout system that can adapt to your fitness regime and strength progress. There are two arms on either side of the mirror that let you try different planes of motion. The AI-powered software analyzes your performance and adjusts the resistance to meet the stage of where your body is currently.

3. BodyBoss 2.0 System — If Versatility Had a Name

The BodyBoss 2.0 system is the ultimate gem in the world of small home gym equipment. It has a proprietary base that you can stand on with 10 different points of attachment to hook the resistance bands. The setup also comes with a range of handholds (e.g., wrist attachments, curl or back squat bar, etc.) to help you add resistance and versatility.

4. The Original Gorilla Bow — a Total-Body System

If you’re really constricted in the space you have for your home gym, getting a total-body system like The Original Gorilla Bow is the perfect solution. It’s affordable, and when you’re not using it, you can easily fit it in a drawer or even under your bed. The bow is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it lightweight and strong, and the four bands can offer great resistance for different fitness goals and levels.

5. Get the Full Gym Setup — Marcy Smith Machine/Cage System

Last, but not least, if you’re looking to get the full gym setup, and you have the space for it, the Marcy Smith Machine/Cage System is just the thing. You get a Smith machine-style barbell, a bench, a weight plate holder, a pullup bar, and so much more — all built into one smart, easy-to-use system. Any home gym would be lucky to have it!